A man was beaten unconscious by a group of men during a New Year’s Eve night of violence at the Fairmont Southampton.

The attack took place on the fourth floor of the hotel at 4am yesterday, while another incident was reported in the lobby.

However, while police said on Monday that there had been broken glass strewn in the hotel foyer, a spokesman later said their statement had not been accurate.

The spokesman added: “After communicating with the hotel staff, we can now confirm it was not glass but ‘silver like’ confetti that in the dark gave the appearance of glass and officers made their assessment after being called to a disturbance in the lobby.”

A man was also robbed of his helmet and mobile phone in the hotel parking lot, while another man had his chain stolen while attending a room party.

Police said three people had been arrested, including two individuals over the parking lot robbery.

The assault victim was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

The hotel confirmed yesterday that it was co-operating with the police investigation into the disturbances.

“The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our number one priority at Fairmont Southampton,” Shelley Meszoly, regional director of sales and marketing, said.

“Our property security includes extensive internal protocols and a wide range of measures in place to safeguard our buildings, and to protect our guests and colleagues.

“As always on New Year’s Eve, additional security measures were in place and local police authorities were on site throughout the evening to support the efforts of the hotel’s security team. In response to the isolated incidences at the resort last evening, additional police were called in to secure the situation and ensure the safety of everyone on site.

“We are co-operating with local law enforcement on their ongoing investigation and to ensure that the most effective safety and security plans are in place at the hotel, providing a safe environment for all visitors and colleagues.”

Police believe that the assault victim was involved in a verbal altercation that culminated in him being set upon by a group of males and knocked unconscious.

That was the second time police had been called to the hotel during the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The police spokesman said: “At 2.52am, police were called to the Fairmont Southampton on a report of suspicious activity in a room of the hotel. Upon police arrival, they noticed a large crowd assembled in the room, loud music and the smell of marijuana.

“Police, while at the hotel, noticed a considerable amount of broken glass in the lobby of the hotel. It was ascertained that prior to the police arrival, a disturbance occurred that saw a number of males involved in a mêlée in which projectiles were thrown.”

Police described the parking lot robbery as an unrelated incident. The spokesman added that the room party victim knew the perpetrators but refused to press charges.

Tourism minister Jamahl Simmons said in a statement: “Violence and criminal activity of any sort have no place in our society. We condemn the incident in the early hours of New Year’s Day and encourage members of the public to assist in the investigation.

“I have reached out to the general manager at resort and have offered our support and encouragement.

“As we seek to grow our economy and attract more visitors to our shores, each of us have a responsibility and a role to play in preserving the peaceful and tranquil reputation for which we are globally renowned; not just for our visitors but for each of us who call Bermuda home.”

Witnesses or anyone at the hotel who would like to report criminal activity or untoward behaviour should contact the Criminal Investigative Division on 295-0011.

UPDATE: this article has been amended after police corrected their earlier assessment reporting broken glass in the hotel’s lobby.

Violence erupts at Fairmont Southampton

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